Router buying advice needed

[swirlyhammond]

Hi all,

I'm setting up workshop soon for occasional use and want to incorporate a router table into a run of worktop. Any advice on making it appreciated.

As for the router, I've never had one before. What are the pros and cons of different collet sizes? Any other advice appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Swirly,

At it's very simplest, you could fashion a router table by bolting your router under a bench-top with the armature coming up through a hole. A length of wood as a fence held down by bolts in slots for adjustment would also suffice.

I can't help feeling however, that once started you will find more uses for your router table than you imagine, so I would start out with something a little better. I'm sure that you will be inundated with links to sites of plans for super duper router tables - mostly on the theme of Norm's on The New Yankee Workshop. These are great, but you normally need to have a router table in order to make them!

I'd start with a proprietry model such as the Trend Craftsman. You get a proper push-button switch, decent fence, dust extraction port, safety guard
mitre slot etc and if you want to upgrade to your own design table in the future you can use many of these componants.

As to routers, for table use you really need one with a half inch collet. You will also be able to use this for hand-held work although most people would keep it in the table and have a second quarter inch router for this.

Different brands have their fans - I use DeWalt, but in your shoes would look at a Triton.

Rgds
Virgil

 

[mailee]

I agree with Hiltsy and can only add that you should choose a router of a well known make and try to go for one with electronic speed control. 'this should handle anything you throw at it in a table. I too have a De Walt but use a Hitachi M12V in my table. :wink:

 

[beejay]

I can highly recommend the big Triton , its an excellent machine.
Whichever router you decide upon, I would suggest getting one which has a 'stay on' switch, i.e the router stays on when you remove your finger from the switch. Some routers operate only when the on switch is held on by the operator.
Im not sure if an NVR switch on a proprietary router table would bypass this safety feature or if the switch on the router would need to be taped or tied in the on position when mounted in the table.
Check before you buy what type of switch your new router will come with,, the Triton has a 'stay on' switch by the way.
regards, beejay

 

[swirlyhammond]

Thanks for the advice folks! This summer is going to be a busy one!

 

[ByronBlack]

From a person who has tried a number of options. I would categorically say don't bother with spending the money on buying a ready-made one. It won't be suitable for your eventual needs and you'll soon grow out of it.

I would suggest putting the money towards some materials and the plan for the NYW router-table. I purchased the top and the insert from axminster as i wasn't confident of cutting the hole for the plate. All I need to do now is make the cabinet.

You do not need a router table to make a router-table, thats an oft used saying which doesn't actually mean anything. Take the NYW design for example, it's all dadoes and rebates - you can do that with a router and a straight edge, no need for a table at all.

As for routers, go for the biggest you can afford and from a reputable make. In a table you'll want one that is easy to adjust (height). I have the smaller Triton which is fine for my needs, but the bigger one is just as good for height adjustments, as is the newer Freud and the Trend T11 - but that sometimes doesnt have the best reviews.

Most importantly though, before you think about setting up your router table. Purchase a dust extraction system. This could be a decent shop vac (I have the Trend AF for example) but axminster and scheppach do reasonable ones as well - this is very important as the router will create billions of tiny particles that NEED to be extracted as you do not want these to fill the air, otherwise you can eventually risk your health, and its not fun in the short-term breathing in fine dust.

Hope that helps somewhat.

 

[tiler99]

Byron, I see you have bought a ready made top to fit the NYW plans, well i thought of that but i couldnt find a top large enough. The one i saw at Axminster is a little too small too fit. Which one had you got?

 

[ByronBlack]

The one from Axminster, personally I think it's fine size-wise, but then I don't have any specific reason to use a much larger one. I do however plan to have foldable 'wings' on the router-cabinet for the odd occasion I may need some extra width. For the money, I think it's a good quality top, with the mitre slot cut very accuratly and the router plate they sell (Rousseu) fits very well.

 

[swirlyhammond]

Useful advice Byron - thanks.

 

[tiler99]

Byron, Firstly , Yes i agree the top is good value as you say and for the reasons you say Axminster quote measurements at Table size 760 x 600mm Which is 29 15/16 x 23 10/16. Now according to NYW plans the Base unit is 32 x 24 so the top wouldn't fit correctly unless you have made alterations to the NYW drawings.
Apologies if i have this wrong.

 

[ByronBlack]

tiler - Your correct, i'll be making a couple of small modifications to the plans which is quite an easy process.